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BOTTLE WASHING MAGHINE.

Patented Mar. 9, 1886.

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BOTTLE WASHING MACHINE.

No. 337,615. Patented Mar. 9, 1886.

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BOTTLE WASHING MACHINE.

No. 337,615. A Patented Mar. 9, 1886.

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BOTTLE WASHING MACHINE. l No. 337,615. Patented Mar. 9, 1886.

Y.. FIGA- WITNE-SSBS INVENTOR Y ATTORNEY Nrrnn rares Artnr 'raient EDWIN S. PIPER, OF `BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO WALTER E. STRONG, OF SAME PLACE.

BOTTLE-WASHING MACHlNE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 337,615, dated March 9, 1886.

Application filed July 28, i884. Serial No.130,043, (No model.)

To a/ZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWIN S. PIPER, residing at Bristol, in the county of Hartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Bottle-fashing Apparatus; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompany ing drawings, which form a part of this speci- 1o fication.

l My invention relates to an improvement in apparatus for washing the exterior and interior surfaces of bottles, the object being to provide means for the purpose which shall be simr 5 ple to construct, 'easy to operate, efficient in use, and of great capacity for work.

With these ends in view my invention consists in certain details of construction and coinbinations of parts, as will be hereinafter deze scribed, and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a plan view of a bottlewashing apparatus embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a view in side elevation of that portion of the apparatus by which the exterior surfaces of the bottles are washed. Fig. 3 is a similar view of the corresponding portion of the apparatus for washing the interior surfaces of the bottles. Fig. 4 is a view in front elevation of the devices 5o shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and Fig. 5 is a detached perspective view of the expansible device for cleansing the interior surfaces of the bottles.

' In the following description the .means for washing the exterior surfaces of the bottles will first be considered, and those for washing their interior surfaces afterward.

Stiff brushes A and rubbers B are attached to and alternate upon converging flexible 4o arms C, secured to a revolving drum, D, and

forming an open cone-shaped structure somewhat exceeding in length the length of the longest bottles.

The function of the brushes is to cleanse the bodies of the bottles, which work they perform thoroughly by virtue of being pressed against the surfaces to be cleansed by the action of the iiexible arms, which are preferably made of heavy spring steel.

'The function of the rubbers is to cleanse the 5o necks of the bottles, and also to support the outer ends of the same. For this purpose the arms to which they are attached are somewhat A longer than those to which the brushes are secured, and the rubbers are attached at right angles to theends of the arms, andhave their inner edges cut away to conform to the contour of the surfaces to be embraced by them. 'i

As herein shown, four brushes and as many rubbers are employed; but this number may 6o be changed, if desired. The drum aforesaid is secured to a hollow shaft, E, journaled in bearingsF, secured to the bed G of the apparatus. The said shaft is secured against lateral displacement by collars I-I, and provided with two cone-pulleys, I and J, the former being connected with any convenient source of power, and the latter transmitting a portion of the power to the apparatus for cleansing the exterior surfaces of the bottles.

A movable rod, K, extending through the shaft aforesaid, and into the forward end of the cone-shaped structure already described, is provided at its forward end with a flaring and shallow cup, L, in which the bottles are centered and supported, and at its rear end with an adjustable sleeve, M, having a hollow arm, N, inclosing a spring, O, and a dog, I), which latter engages with the bifurcated outer end of an arm, Q, controlling the valve 8o R of the pipe S, which is connected with the water-main T through an arm, U, as shown. 'The said pipe S is Supported in a standard, V, secured to the base of the machine, and extends forward in position to throw water in 8 5 tine jets upon the brushes and rubbers and the bottles introduced between them. A weight, W, attached to a cord, X, running over pulleys Y and Z and connected with the rod K, which end of the rod is journaled in an arm, A', sus- 9C tains the rod in its normal position, in which the cup L is located just within the rear ends of the brushes, and the Valve R closed. In order to insure positiveness of action in openf ing the said valve, the arm Q is connected with `a spring, B', located within a hollow arm, C', secured to the pipe U, and arranged to exert a constant tendency to open the valve.

A ring, D', located in front of the coneshaped structure and secured to the bed of the apparatus, is designed to facilitate the centering of the bottles in the brushes and rubbers, and for this purpose and for use with l the smaller-sizes of bottlesthering is provided with a supplemental ring, E', which is secured in place by buttons F' or equivalent means. The ring D' also serves as a support and framework for the removable cylindrical covering or shield G', (shown in Fig.1,) which incluses the coneshaped structure and the water-pipe.

Having described so much ofthe apparatus as relates to washing the exterior surfaces of a bottle, I will now proceed to describe the ope `ation of such part.

The bottle to be washed is grasped by its neck and introduced, large end foremost, between the brushes and rubbers, all of which are forced aside vto receive it. The bottle is then pressed inward until its neck is embraced by the rubbers, which thus support its outer end. The inner or large end of the bottle is supported meanwhile bythe brushes and the cup secured to the rod, which latter was moved back by the bottle during its introduction between the brushes and rubbers, with the effect of opening the valve and a1- lowing numerous jets of water to be thrown upon the brushes, rubbers, andbottle. lt will be understood that during all this time the brushes and rubbers are being very rapidly revolved and operated to thoroughly cleanse the body and neck ot' the bottle. \Vhen cleansed, the bottle is withdrawn, and as this is done the weight operates to move the rod forward to its normal position, in which the valve is closed and the cup stationed just to the rear of the brushes, to be again engaged for moving the rod back when the next bottle is introduced. i

That part ofthe apparatus for washing tbe interior surfaces ofthe bottles consists, essentially, ofan expansible scrubbing device and means for contractingl the Same and for controllingl a supply of water which is sprayed into the bottle through the said device while its interior surfaces are being scrubbed. The expansible scrubbing device consists of a stock, G, preferably formed from a piece of tubing having a thread eut on its rear end and its forward end cut down in tapering form, a pair of springvarms. H', provided with ribbed rubber covers l', and respectively secured to and folding upon the tapering sides ofthe stock, and a brush, J', formed of bristles, which are drawn through a block, K', located in the forward end of the stock and wired to a pin, L', situated in the stock, as shown. The threaded end ofthe stock screws into the forward end of a hollow shaft, M', which is secured to a similar shal't, N', journaled in bearings O', attached to the bed of the apparatus. The said shaft N' is prevented from lateral play in its bearings by means ot' collars P', and provided with a cone-pulley, Q',which is connected by a belt, R', with the pulley J of the mechanism for washing the exterior sur faces of the bottles. The expansible scrubbing device is contracted for introduction into the bottles by means of a lnovable contractor consisting of a sleeve, S', having a flaring or cupshaped outer end and ]'ournaled in the arm T' of the carriage U', and secured in place in the said arm by means of a collar, V', as shown. By virtue of this construction and arrangement of parts the contractor rotates with the scrubbing device, when closed over the same by reason of the frictional coupling between them, due to the expansive action of the spring-arms and brush. This avoids all wear upon the said arms and brush when not in active operation. The scrubbing device is stcadiedafter its introduction into a bottle and while rapidly revolving, by the carriage aforesaid, and through the contractor, which is journaled therein and embraces the shaft to which the said device is secured, the carriage being supported on either side by rods W', the opposite ends of which are respectively mounted in the ring X', which corresponds to the ring D', hereinbefore referred to, and in a cross-bar, Y', secured to the foremost of the bearings O' of the hollow shaft N', as represented. Vater is supplied to the interior of the bottle being cleansed by a small stationary pipe, Z,|supportcd in the standard V,'and extending through the shaft N' and forward through the shaft M to a point just within its forward end. The rtar end of thcsaid waterpipe connects willi a valve, H", communicating with the watenmain l through an arm, B', as shown. The valve H" is controlled by au arm, C2, the bifurcated outer end of which is engaged by a dog, D", actuated by a spring, E', and mounted in the hollow arm FZ of an adjustable sleeve, G2. attached to the rear end of a rod, H', the fr lrward end of which is secured to an arm, l', depending from the carriage. A weight, J". attached to a cord, K2, running over pulleys L" and M2, and connecting with the rear end of the said rod, is employed for sustaining the same in its normal position, in which the carriage is moved to the limit ot' its forward travel,lthc contractor is closed over the expansible scrubbing device, and the valve closed. In ordertoinsnre positivencss in the opening action ot the valve, the arm C'thereot' is connected with a spring, N", located in a hollow arm, O", secured tothe rearmost ofthe standards O', and arranged to exert a constant tendency to open the valve. A shield, Pi, (shown in Fig. Land,corresponding to the shield G', referred to,) is employed for inclosing the expansible scrubbing device and the parts more directlyassociated with it.

Having now described the construction of that portion of my improved alpljiaratus which is designed to wash the interior surfaces of bottles, I will proceed to describe its operation.

The bottle is taken in the hand and held by its body portion, while its mouth is centered in the daring end of the contractor. This done, the bottle is pressed inward, carrying IIO the said contractor and carriage and gradually exposing and covering the expansible scrubbing device, which is eventually fully expanded into the bottle, the sides of which are scrubbed by its spring-arms and the bottom of thebottle bythe brush. rIhe described movement of the carriage effects, through the rod secured to its depending arm, the opening of the valve, which is followed by a strong discharge of water into the bottle through the scrubbing device. During all this time the said device is being rapidly revolved and assisted bythe expansion resulting from the action of centrifugal force in cleansing the interior surfaces of the bottle. When clean, the bottle is withdrawn, and as this is done the carriage and its attachments are restored by the weight to their normal positions and the valve closed.

It will be observed that both the devices for washing the exterior and theinterior surfaces ot' the bottles are provided with cone-pulleys, the object being to enable the rate of rotation in both devices to be varied to effect an eX- pansion by centrifugal action suitable to the size ot' the bottle being cleansed.

It is apparent that lsome changes in the details of construction of my improved apparatus may be made, and I would therefore have it understood that I do not limit' myself to the exact construction and arrangement of parts shown and described, but hold myself vat liberty to make such changes and alterations as fairly fall within the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having fully described my invention,what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is- Y l. A machine for cleaning bottles, having scrubbers constructed and arranged for cleaning the outer surfaces of the bottles, and converging spring-arms carrying the said scrubbers, substantially as set forth.

2. A machine for cleaning bottles, having scrubbers constructed and arranged for cleaning the outer surfaces of the bottles, springarms carrying the said scrubbers, and a revolving head to which the said arms are attached, substantially as set forth.

3. A machine for cleaning bottles, having scrubbers constructed and arranged for cleaning the outersurfaces ofthe bottles and grouped to inclose the bottles, and spring-arms carrying the scrubbers, substantially as set forth.

4. A machine for cleaning bottles, having scrubbers constructed and arranged to clean the outer surfaces of the bottles, andincluding rubbers adapted to clasp thenecks of the bot- A.

tles, substantially as set forth.

5. In abottle-washing apparatus, means for washing the exterior surfaces of a bottle, con-'- sisting of brushes and rubbers attached to and alternating upon converging flexible arms, the rubbers being arranged to cleanse the neck ofthe bottle, substantially as set forth.

7. A machine for cleaning bottles, having scrubbers constructed and arranged for cleaning the outer surfaces of the bottles, and a removable support located within and between the scrubbers l'orsupporting the bottles as the same are advanced between and withdrawn from the scrubbers, substantially as set forth.

8. A machine for cleaning bottles, having scrubbers constructed and arranged for cleaning the outer surfaces of the bottles, a cup situated within and between the scrubbers and located upon a longitudinally-movable rod, and means, substantially as shown,'for operating the said rod and cup to support the bottles while they are being advanced between and withdrawn from the scrubbers, substantially as set forth. p

9. A machine for cleaning bottles, having scrubbers constructed and arranged for cleaning` the outer surfaces of the bottles, a movable support located within and between the scrubbers for supporting the bottles as the same are advanced between and withdrawn from the scrubbers, and means, substantially as shown, for supplying water to the bottles while being scrubbed and controlled by the movable su ppert, substantially as set forth.

10. A machine for cleaning bottles, having scrubbers constructed and arranged for cleaning the outer surfaces of the bottles, and a frame located directly in front 0f the scrubbers and having an opening through which the bottles are passed for being scrubbed,sub stantially as set forth.

11. A machine for cleaning bottles, having scrubbers constructed and arranged for cleaning the outer surfaces of the bottles, a ringframe located directly in front of the scrubbers, and a ring of smaller dimensions for removable attachment to the said ring-frame, substantially as set forth.

12. A machine for cleaning bottles, having scrubbers constructed and arranged t'or cleaning the outer surfaces of the bottles, a frame located directly in front of the scrubbers and having an opening for access to them, and a shield inclosing the scrubbers from the top and sides, substantially as set forth.

13. A machine for cleaning bottles, having scrubbers carried upon converging springarms attached to a revolving drum, a cup situated within and between the scrubbers and located upon a longitudinally-movable rod, means, substantially as described, for operating the said rod to support the bottles as they are advanced between and withdrawn from the scrubbers, a water-supply controlled by the movement ofthe rod, a frame located directly in front of the scrubbers and having an opening for access to them, and a shield inclo'sing the scrubbers from the top and sides, substantially as set forth.

14. A machine for cleaning bottles, having an expansble scrubber consisting of a hollow7 ICO IIO

stock, abrush mounted in the outer end thereof, and spring-arms secured to the stock and carrying scrubbcrs, substantially as set forth. l5. A machine for cleaning bottles, having annexpansible scrubber consisting` of n tapering hollow stock, :L brush located in its forwcird end, and springer-ins secured to opposite faces or sides ofthe stoel: and carrying rubber Scrubbers, substantially as set forth.

16. A machine for cleaning bottles, having an expansible scrubber, a rotary sleeve normally inclosing the saine, a carriage carrying such sleeve and moved for uncovering the scrubber, fr frame located directly in i'ront of the scrubber and having;` an opening' in it for access to the saine, and n shield inclosing` the ing Witnesses.

EDWIN S. PIPER. Witnesses:

Gno. D. SEYMOUR, M. S. SEELEY. 

